The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has won the general election in Saint Lucia, beating the ruling St Lucia Labour Party (SLP) 11 seats to six, effectively reversing the result of the last election in 2011.

According to the Electoral Office, 160,465 voters were eligible to cast ballots at the 430 polling stations across the island, choosing from among 39 candidates vying for the 17 seats in the country’s parliament.

The SLP of outgoing prime minister Dr Kenny Anthony and the UWP of businessman and former tourism minister Allen Chastanet both fielded full slates of 17 candidates.

Based on preliminary published figures, voter turnout was a modest 52.85 percent.

In his concession message, Anthony said he does not intend to serve as the leader of the opposition or as political leader of the SLP.

“I will, however, continue to serve my constituents of Vieux-Fort South and support my other Parliamentary colleagues in their various constituencies as they seek to protect the interests of their constituents,” he said.